Newport funding vote a rebuke to Coastal Commission

NEWPORT BEACH – The California Coastal Commission got a slap on the wrist from the Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday night.

Council members refused, 5-2, to add funds to a $4 million statewide effort for the commission, which is set to rule in July whether Newport Beach can get rid of its 60 beach fire rings. According to a staff report, $1 million of that funding will go into Local Coastal Program planning, including a focus on climate change and sea level rise.

Councilman Tony Petros led the charge against the state agency Tuesday.

"The Coastal Commission has been one of the largest adversaries to Newport Beach (in terms of) moving forward in our pursuits on behalf of the citizens of Newport Beach," he said. "That this agency, which has little if any accountability to the residents of California, should receive more to continue to stymie our efforts seems contradictory to everything we do."

Although Petros' colleagues on the dais agreed with him, Councilwoman Nancy Gardner asked if it would be sound strategy to antagonize the commission, which will likely be ruling on each one of the city's major projects including Marina Park and the proposed development of the old City Hall site on Newport Boulevard.

Some residents also expressed similar concerns.

"The Coastal Commission is something we need to contend with," said resident Denys Oberman. "It may be advisable to take some type of middle ground that is not as adversarial."

City Manager Dave Kiff advised the council to strike that middle ground by offering "good faith support" to the Local Coastal Program component.

Council members eventually voted 5-2 to deny the commission, with council members Michael Henn and Nancy Gardner casting dissenting votes.

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